John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Private transportation between Ohio State’s Columbus campus, nearby student housing, and CMH. Book the trip to the airport, the return pickup, or both.
Explore our CMH airport guide →OHIO STATE STUDENTS · CMH + LCK
A familiar face.
A ride home for
the holidays.
Private airport transportation for your Ohio State student, personally driven by Steve French. From campus to the airport—and back when break is over.
Thanksgiving • Christmas & winter break • Return to campus
A dad, a grandpa, and your student’s ride.
20,000+Uber & Lyft rides given
Owner drivenPersonally confirmed by Steve
Both airportsCMH and Rickenbacker LCK
Private ridesYour student or their own group
A PARENT FIRST. YOUR DRIVER, TOO.
You should know who’s picking up your student.
I’m Steve French—a father of five, grandfather of ten, and husband of 40 years.
I was born in 1965, and I started Smart Ride Central Ohio in February 2026 as a way to stay busy during retirement. Before launching Smart Ride, I gave over 20,000 Uber and Lyft rides.
As a parent and grandparent, I understand why the details matter. With Smart Ride, you can speak directly with the person who will drive your student. I personally review each request and drive every confirmed reservation.
Before you book, please take a few minutes to read what my customers say on Google. I want you to feel comfortable with the person you’re trusting for this part of your student’s journey.
CHECK THE CODE ON THE FLIGHT
Two airports. One person to call.
Rickenbacker International Airport
Flying through Rickenbacker? Choose LCK when you request your quote. It is a different airport and route from CMH, so the fare is quoted separately.
Official LCK passenger information ↗In the booking form, select CMH or LCK from the flight itinerary. “Ohio State University Airport” is a separate airport, not the university’s campus pickup location.
LESS TO FIGURE OUT ON TRAVEL DAY
Plan the ride before the packing begins.
Get your route’s quote
Choose your airport, direction, campus or housing address, pickup date and time. For a round trip, enter the return details too. Include passengers and luggage.
Tell me who’s traveling
Select “Booking for someone else.” Add your coordinating-parent contact information and your student’s separate passenger details. Choose who receives ride updates. Use Additional notes for the exact residence entrance or pickup instructions.
Hear from Steve
Your submission is a reservation request. I review availability and personally confirm the ride and pickup details. Ride updates go to the contacts you select in the booking form.
Have a question before booking?
Call or text 614.546.7661. Online requests need at least 12 hours’ notice; for a closer pickup, contact me directly to ask about availability.
Text Steve →HOLIDAY PLANNING · 2026–27
Home for Thanksgiving.
Back after winter break.
Reserve early for holiday travel. Your student’s own class, exam, and housing schedule should guide the flight and pickup dates.
Thanksgiving break begins
Plan the ride to CMH or LCK and the return ride to campus around your student’s itinerary.
Christmas & winter-break departures
Autumn classes end December 9. Final exams are scheduled December 11 and 14–17. Check the student’s last exam before booking a departure.
Spring classes begin
Arrange the return airport pickup and confirm when your student can access their residence.
Source: Ohio State’s official academic calendar. Dates reviewed September 27, 2026; schedules may change.
A CLEAR QUOTE FOR YOUR TRIP
One way, both ways, or with roommates.
Student holiday rides use Smart Ride’s normal route-based fares. You’ll see the quote before submitting your request.
A one-way ride
Book a private campus-to-airport ride or an airport-to-campus pickup for your student.
A round-trip holiday plan
Request both directions together so the return ride is part of the plan. Each leg is priced for its own route and pickup time.
Your student’s own group
Friends traveling together can request one vehicle. Tell me the passenger and luggage counts so I can confirm they fit comfortably.
The current airport rate is $2.75 per route mile, with a $50 minimum mileage charge, a $4.50 airport fee when applicable, pickup-time surcharges when applicable, and local sales tax. Optional gratuity is additional. CMH and LCK can have different fares because their routes differ.
QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK
A few details before you book.
Can I book airport transportation for my Ohio State student?
Yes. Parents can request a ride for their student. Select “Booking for someone else” in the contact step. Enter your coordinating-parent details and the student’s separate passenger details, then choose whether ride updates go to you, your student, or both. Enter flight information in the flight fields and pickup instructions in Additional notes.
Do you provide rides both to and from CMH and LCK?
Yes. Request a one-way ride in either direction or a round trip between the Ohio State campus or student housing and either CMH or LCK. Availability and the specific pickup address are confirmed by Steve.
Who drives, and what vehicle will arrive?
Steve French personally drives every confirmed Smart Ride reservation in a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle can carry up to six passengers, subject to luggage fit. Share all bag counts when booking so Steve can confirm capacity.
Is this a shared student shuttle?
No. This is prearranged private transportation for your student or their own group. Passengers are not matched with unrelated travelers, and there is no fixed campus shuttle timetable.
What happens if the flight changes?
Provide the flight number so Steve can track the arrival. Contact him if your flight is changed or canceled. He will coordinate timing and pickup instructions with you; any revised arrangement depends on availability.
Will both the parent and student receive updates?
Yes—choose “Both of us” for ride updates. Request acknowledgments, confirmations, cancellations, and reminders go by email to your selected contacts. Text messages are optional and require separate consent for each selected number. Payment messages and customer account access stay with the coordinating parent / booking contact.
Is Smart Ride affiliated with Ohio State?
No. Smart Ride Central Ohio is an independent, owner-operated transportation business. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Ohio State University, the airports, or any airline.
LET’S GET THE RIDE ON THE CALENDAR
The flight is booked.
Now, meet the driver.
Talk with Steve, read his Google reviews, and request a private ride for your student.